The Weight of Place: Codie Eash on Seminary Ridge and Civil War Memory
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In this episode of Public History with Jake and Justin, we sit down with our friend and esteemed public historian, Codie Eash, Director of Education and Interpretation at the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Codie’s expertise in tackling the complexities of Civil War memory, race, religion, and the enduring significance of Gettysburg shines through in this lively conversation.
From the unique challenges of interpreting a site as iconic as Seminary Ridge to navigating deeply entrenched myths and modern debates about the Civil War, Codie shares fascinating insights from his years on the front lines of public history. Whether you’re new to Gettysburg or a lifelong visitor, Codie’s approach to storytelling will change the way you think about one of America’s most storied battlefields.
We also dive into Codie’s background as a one-time journalism major and how those skills influence his work as a public historian.
The conversation explores everything from dismantling Lost Cause propaganda to creating authentic connections with visitors in an era of polarized historical memory.
Along the way, we reflect on the broader responsibilities of public historians in bridging gaps of understanding, inspiring curiosity, and encouraging critical thinking.
In this episode we discuss:
The joys and headaches of working in a 193-year-old museum.
Why Seminary Ridge’s cupola is Gettysburg’s most iconic rooftop.
How Codie’s journalism roots shaped his public history career.
The art of myth-busting and dealing with Civil War “whataboutism.”
Tackling Lost Cause narratives with evidence and empathy.
How NASCAR road trips inspire top-tier history chats.
Our Postscripts for this episode
Justin - YouTube docs about the discovery of King Richard III's remains in the UK
Codie - Watching King in the Wilderness, a documentary about MLK in the last years of his life
Jake - Visiting Paris and discovering the story of the 1871 Paris Commune
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